Michael Brown, the Chairman and CEO of Skyline Robotics, boasts an impressive career spanning over 35 years, with a primary focus on business services and distribution roll-ups. His track record includes leading two previous companies, each with revenues exceeding $400 million, both of which were eventually acquired by publicly traded companies. Throughout his career, the companies under his leadership have collectively generated over $5 billion in revenue. His approach revolves around a proven model that drives growth and market expansion through business acquisitions, cross-selling, and organic growth, all deeply rooted in data analysis and strategic planning. Michael holds an IT degree from Syracuse University.
In his current role at Skyline Robotics, Michael’s responsibilities encompass fundraising, business development, strategic planning, and providing overall guidance. He recognizes the importance of surrounding himself with subject matter experts, such as Ross Blum, the president and COO, who ensures the company’s integrity, operations, and profitability.
What brings Michael the most joy in his daily routine is the anticipation of exploring new opportunities around the world. He finds great satisfaction in opening the door to fresh possibilities as they come through the company’s contact inquiries and questionnaires. Michael has had the privilege of engaging with numerous individuals who share a deep appreciation for what Skyline Robotics is doing and eagerly look forward to introducing its innovations to their markets.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Michael Brown:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
Inside the workplace, my career goals are to be passionate about what I do and have a positive impact on my community and the world. Outside of work, I want to spend as much time with family and friends as possible to share great life experiences.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
Skyline Robotics was founded in 2017 to address several needs and concerns in the window-cleaning industry, including safety, labor shortages, and the collaboration of humans and robots. I joined the company in its infancy after a revelation of my own. I was driving on Manhattan’s West Side and looked up at Hudson Yards and said, “I cannot believe humans still clean windows on skyscrapers.” I did some research and ultimately chose Skyline Robotics as the most viable solution to bring to market. I knew Skyline Robotics was the platform for me, as we share the same vision of leveraging technology to change the way we work for a more seamless customer experience.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
Listening to the market, to my employees, and to our customers has helped make me a successful CEO. At the end of the day, if I do not have the pulse of all three, then it makes it challenging to lead the company. I value and focus on communication, employee morale, culture, and team camaraderie every bit as much as I do profits and shareholder matters.
Which are the major services of the company and how do the companies get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
Skyline Robotics’ flagship robot, Ozmo, is the world’s first robotic-armed window-cleaning robot. Ozmo combines artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision with state-of-the-art robotic control and an array of sensors to offer a smarter, faster, safer, and more economical alternative to human window washers.
Our innovation is addressing several societal issues, including safety and labor shortages. Firstly, window cleaning has not changed since the industry launched. In the last 100 years, buildings have scaled dramatically in height and window surface area. Cleaning these windows while suspended hundreds of feet in the air poses a great risk for the workers and the public. We know that there are significant amounts of injuries and even severe injuries that occur at heights on a facade each year. Ozmo is a cutting-edge solution designed to take humans out of high-risk situations.
Skyline Robotics is also addressing current labor shortages. 74% of window cleaners in the USA are over the age of 40, but only 10% are between the ages of 20 and 30. Additionally, there are concerns that robots will take jobs away from humans. Skyline Robotics wants to help lead the charge of creating a collaborative working relationship between humans and robots. Ozmo, while autonomous, is still operated by humans. However, they use a computer on the rooftop rather than hanging high above the ground.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
One of the most important aspects is maintaining a positive attitude. Conveying a positive attitude can be very infectious. Your customers will notice, and so will your employees. I also believe in recognizing the importance of employees. Your employees are your most important customers, and providing them with insight and inclusiveness is very empowering.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
Innovative ideas are in our DNA at Skyline Robotics, as we have brought to market a first-of-its-kind robotic window cleaner. We are leveraging cutting-edge AI and machine learning technology, along with robotics and sensors, to offer a safer, more efficient path forward for a traditionally dangerous job. We will continue to innovate into the future as we develop solutions beyond window cleaning to maximize the health of a building’s facade.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
In the early stages of the lifecycle of a business, we depend on the heroics of individuals with a can-do attitude. As the company matures and you have an organizational chart with different departments, team processes become essential for repetitive success. It’s a win-win when leaders have a team working cohesively by following the process, which ensures productivity and maximizes profits for shareholders.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Communication is the most fundamental component of leading a company. Also, establish a good work culture. Communication, engagement, and operating with a clear objective to reach the company’s goals with purpose are essential.
